General Instructions for Soft & Silky Coats

Using Cindra Grooming Products allows long, silky coats to be maintained correctly without excess weight or residue. These coats require consistent moisture to prevent breakage and matting, but they must never be over-conditioned. The goal is hydration that absorbs into the hair rather than sitting on the surface and attracting dirt.

Although silicone can act as a temporary lubricant, long-term use often leads to dryness and breakage. Lanolin is similarly problematic for many silky coats, as it is heavy and difficult to rinse fully. Over-conditioning is common in long coats and presents as a dull, gummy, sticky, or greasy feel, or a coat that attracts dirt easily.

Cindra formulas contain no silicone or lanolin. Instead, they rely on lighter, fast-absorbing moisturizers such as vitamin E and rice bran oil, which hydrate the coat without leaving residue or interfering with proper coat function.

Simple Steps to Bathing a Long Silky Coat

  1. Remove mats and tangles completely before bathing.
  2. Dilute shampoo in warm water (1–2 tablespoons per cup, depending on suds desired).
  3. Gently squeeze shampoo through the coat as you would wash a fine wool sweater.
  4. Lather and rinse twice.
  5. Rinse thoroughly—then rinse again.
  6. Pour diluted conditioner evenly over the coat and allow it to soak briefly.
  7. Rinse thoroughly until the coat feels clean, not coated.
  8. Squeeze excess water from the coat before towel drying.
  9. Wrap in a towel and gently squeeze to remove remaining moisture.

Drying a Long Silky Coat Correctly

Drying is just as important as bathing when caring for a long, silky coat. Improper drying can lead to hidden mats, coat breakage, uneven texture, and premature coat damage. The goal is to remove moisture efficiently while protecting coat integrity and preventing friction.

Towel Drying

After rinsing, gently squeeze excess water from the coat using your hands. Avoid rubbing or twisting the hair, as this causes tangling and breakage. Wrap the dog in a clean towel and press firmly to absorb moisture rather than scrubbing the coat.

For very long or heavily coated dogs, changing to a second dry towel can help remove additional moisture before drying begins.

Blow Drying

Blow drying is strongly recommended for long, silky coats. Air drying allows hair to dry in uneven patterns and encourages tangling, especially in feathering and friction areas.

  • Use a cool to warm setting—never hot.
  • Direct airflow in the direction of coat growth.
  • Work in sections, brushing or combing as you dry to keep the coat separated and smooth.
  • Pay close attention to high-density areas such as behind the ears, leg furnishings, belly, and tail.

Lightly misting the coat with Cindra Maxi Care during drying reduces static, minimizes friction, and helps prevent breakage without weighing the coat down.

Finishing the Coat

Once fully dry, the coat should feel clean, light, and fluid—not sticky or heavy. Run a comb gently through the coat to confirm it is completely dry to the skin and free of tangles.

If the coat feels limp, gummy, or overly soft, reassess product dilution and conditioning frequency. Long silky coats perform best when hydrated, not saturated.

Recommended Cindra Grooming Products for Long Silky Coats

Common Long Silky Coat Problems & Solutions

Problem Solution
Detangling / Dematting Apply full strength Moisture Plus Conditioner to the mat. Allow to sit for 15 minutes, then gently separate with fingers or a comb.
Greasy coat Use Cleansing Shampoo in place of moisturizing shampoo to remove excess oil and buildup.
Coat lacks body Substitute Texturizing Shampoo for a moisturizing formula to support body and definition.
Dingy white areas Lather first with Cleansing Shampoo , allow to sit 5 minutes, then rinse. Follow with Moisturizing Dog Shampoo and rinse thoroughly.
Urine stains Apply a small amount of Cleansing Shampoo full strength to the affected area, wait 5 minutes, and rinse completely.
Flyaway hair Combine 2 tablespoons Moisture Plus Conditioner in 1 pint of water and lightly mist over the coat to reduce static.
Putting coat in oil Mix 2 tablespoons Moisture Plus Conditioner in 1 pint of water. Lightly spray on sections as you wrap. Avoid oils or silicone.
Thin leg furnishings/feathers Lightly mist diluted Texturizing Mist onto a damp coat and fluff dry with a blow dryer.
Dry, damaged coat Perform a conditioning treatment using Moisture Plus Conditioner , wrap in a warm towel for 15–20 minutes, then shampoo with Moisturizing Dog Shampoo and rinse thoroughly.